More than 200 children darted energetically from the starting line at Bernardston Elementary School on Wednesday morning to take part in the community’s longstanding turkey trot tradition.

As fifth graders held hand-drawn mile-marker signs, a stampede of energetic kids — some sporting turkey-styled headwear — took off on a mile-long dash down School Road before lining up for glasses of apple juice.

The tradition, developed by former physical education teacher Sue Scott, dates back to at least 2009. The event, always held the day before Thanksgiving, aims to encourage physical activity among the students.

Physical education teacher Ryan Hanna, who was hired in October, said his fellow teachers and faculty members were instrumental in helping him plan this year’s turkey trot. He added that his students practiced running for 15 to 20 minutes a day in the weeks leading up to the run.

Although Wednesday marked Principal Sarah Burstein’s first turkey trot, she said she was quickly made aware of the tradition’s importance upon her arrival to the role. Burstein transitioned from leading Hillcrest Elementary School in Turners Falls to Bernardston Elementary earlier this year.

“It’s really become this beloved community tradition,” Burstein said. “When we had our first staff meeting at the start of the school year, I asked our teachers to identify the important traditions that I need to know about as a new school leader, and overwhelmingly, this was the top of the top.”

Among the officials who watched the students run was Pioneer Valley Regional School District Superintendent Patricia Kinsella, who said this year’s turkey trot marked the third one she has attended.

Despite rain at last year’s event, Kinsella said the students still ran — a display of dedication that is emblematic of the school district.

“This is a beautiful community event,” Kinsella said. “It celebrates some of our core values, being outside, being healthy and being together.”

Greenfield

In Greenfield, the Academy of Early Learning held its turkey trot at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, and on Wednesday, Greenfield Middle School and Greenfield High School held their turkey trots, along with Federal Street School, the Discovery School at Four Corners and Newton School.

At Newton School, approximately 200 children ran around a course set up on the field while teachers cheered them on, some handing out stickers.

Special education teacher Lucy Reinhold, who has worked at Newton School for roughly 20 years, said she has noticed the turkey trot enthusiasm spreading throughout the school in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

“The kids definitely enjoy it, and the teachers do, to be honest with you,” Reinhold said. “It’s fun to be out. In the past, there’s been more turkey hats and things like that. This year, they did the turkey crowns, which is fabulous, and everybody has one. So it ebbs and flows with how crazy people want to get.”

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.